Bihar Government Greenlights Grain ATM Pilot Project in Patna
The Bihar government has officially approved the installation of the state's first "grain ATMs," branded as Annapurti, as part of a central government pilot initiative. These automated dispensing machines will be deployed in three urban locations within Patna, marking a significant technological advancement in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
How Annapurti Grain ATMs Function
A grain ATM is an innovative automated device designed to distribute essential food grains, such as rice and wheat, to beneficiaries enrolled under the National Food Security Programme. The operational process involves several streamlined steps:
- Beneficiaries authenticate their identity using their Aadhaar card or other approved identification methods.
- Users select the type and desired quantity of grain required.
- The machine automatically dispenses the grains, with the transaction being meticulously recorded.
- The beneficiary's account is updated in real-time to reflect the distribution.
Notably, a single grain ATM can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain in just five minutes. Furthermore, these machines are engineered for energy efficiency, consuming only 0.6 watts per hour and can be powered using solar panels and inverters, making them suitable for diverse locations.
Pilot Project Details and Future Expansion
Food and Consumer Protection Department Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh confirmed the approval, stating, "The Central government recently sought approval to install grain ATMs as part of a pilot project. We have given the go-ahead and are currently identifying three specific sites in Patna's urban areas."
The pilot project is scheduled to commence within the next two to three months. Upon successful completion and evaluation, authorities plan to expand the installation of these grain ATMs to other districts across Bihar. This initiative follows the installation of the country's first grain ATM in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in August 2024.
Addressing PDS Challenges and Enhancing Transparency
Bihar is home to over 8.5 crore beneficiaries under the PDS, supported by more than 50,000 PDS shops. The introduction of grain ATMs is anticipated to significantly curb the siphoning of grains and reduce corruption within the system.
An RJD leader expressed support for the initiative, remarking, "We advocate for the mass-scale installation of grain ATMs to ensure transparency. There have been persistent complaints, such as BPL beneficiaries receiving only four kilograms instead of the entitled five, which often go unaddressed. We also hear reports of PDS grains being sold on the black market by dealers. We welcome this pilot project, though it is something that could have been implemented earlier."
A PDS dealer in Patna acknowledged the scrutiny faced by traditional shops, noting, "PDS shops have consistently been under scrutiny, with many dealers facing disciplinary actions in recent years. It is through technological solutions like grain ATMs that corruption can be effectively minimized."
In a concerted effort to combat irregularities, the state government has taken action against 7,955 PDS dealers over the past two years. These measures include 43 licence cancellations, 33 FIRs, and 7,955 show-cause notices, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms.
The deployment of Annapurti grain ATMs in Patna represents a proactive step towards modernizing food distribution, enhancing accountability, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive their entitled rations efficiently and transparently.
